June 2024 WMU News

WMU supply chain management once again named a top program

Western Michigan University’s supply chain management program has been recognized by Gartner as a top program in the nation, coming in at No. 22. This marks 15 consecutive years that Western’s program has been on Gartner’s list of Top 25 Supply Chain Universities. The list recognizes higher education institutions that provide exceptional value.

Western's Board of Trustees sets 2024-25 student room and board rates

The new rates, which go into effect for the fall 2024 semester, will provide continued support for educational living environments that are safe and attractive while assisting WMU in recruitment and retention efforts.

Western faculty members’ tenure, promotions celebrated

Western faculty members received tenure and promotions through the approval of the Board of Trustees on June 27.

Teacher, influencer joins Grow Your Own program to support multilingual students

Kim Huls, a student in the master's student in the College of Education and Human Development, has documented her experiences as an elementary school teacher for the past seven years on her YouTube channel.

Sports coaching master's program one of 13 accredited by national organization

WMU's master's in sports coaching again earns NCACE accreditation, joining an elite group of just 13 U.S. universities.

WMU accountancy student recognized with $5,000 scholarship

Western Michigan University student Aedan McCauley has received the Michigan Accountancy Foundation Final Year Scholarship, a $5,000 scholarship awarded to students who are in their final year of studying accountancy at a Michigan college or university.

Why I Give: The Elshafeis

Lulu and Ramsey Elshafei say Western played a big part in their career success, and they're paying their gratitude forward by establishing scholarships to help other students pursue their own educational goals.

Career ap-peel: Potato farm sprouts job opportunities for Broncos

You say “potato,” he says “more data.” Walther Farms business analytics intern Skyler Thompson got his hands dirty finding ways to reduce the carbon footprint in producing America’s tastiest spuds.

Working to say 'goodbye' to forever chemicals

Western faculty and students are on the leading edge of innovation to root out and capture PFAS from our drinking water and other environmental sources.

WMU board to consider proposed 2024-25 tuition, room and board rates Thursday

Individuals who wish to address the board during public comment sections of the meeting must email Dr. Kahler Schuemann by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26.

Alumni classnotes, spring and summer 2024

Western Michigan University recognizes alumni achievements and announcements submitted during spring and summer 2024.

In Memoriam, spring and summer 2024

The following are Western alumni and emeriti who passed away and were reported during spring and summer 2024.

Array of volunteering opportunities lead to 'eye-opening' experiences

In addition to personal fulfillment, Western students say volunteer experiences allowed them to apply skills and make contacts for future careers. These experience-driven learning opportunities also taught them valuable lessons about managing time, communication and even compassion.

Hands-on experiences put engineering grad in driver's seat for career opportunities

Noah Gould revved up his resume with multiple internships and his involvement in the Bronco Racing Formula SAE team, where he helped build the organization's first electric vehicle.

Brief trip, big impact: Journey abroad gives nursing student holistic perspective

The chance to eat, drink and go global wasn’t lost on Rebecca Fraley. The spring nursing graduate expanded her classroom to Lisbon, Portugal, and found those 10 days abroad will impact her entire career.

Bronco behind the big screen: Alumna uses makeup to tell stories in movies and TV

Some of Hollywood’s most beautiful actors have alumna Ellen Arden to thank for their movie star look. The film and TV makeup artist first dipped her brush at the College of Fine Arts before making it big.

Leveling up experience-driven learning opportunities

The classroom is growing for students participating in nearly two dozen faculty-led projects to get career-ready before graduation. A new grant funded by the University is bolstering experience-driven learning opportunities for students in nearly every college.

Combining passion for medicine with philanthropic ideals, biomedical sciences grad ready to make an impact

Omer Idris dove headfirst into undergraduate research opportunities, finishing up his bachelor's degree with multiple papers published in respected research journals.

Western grad lands job that marries counseling studies and grad assistant work

Navia Walker received the Kalamazoo Promise after graduating from Kalamazoo Public Schools, and now she will be taking on a new role with the Promise aimed at helping other students fulfill their dreams of a college education.

Marketing grad finds avenue to follow passion for diabetes advocacy

Having lived with type 1 diabetes most of her life, Taylor Ernst is excited to pursue a career at Insulet focused on helping customers with diabetes management through innovative medical devices.

New graduate certificate to prepare students for global leadership challenges

WMU expands educational offerings with a new Graduate Certificate in Global Leadership and Learning. This program equips professionals with the skills to foster inclusive leadership practices in a globalized learning environment.

Western celebrates summer 2024 graduates earning more than 1,100 degrees June 29

Graduates hail from 32 countries including the United States and will participate in one of two programs beginning at 9 a.m. at Miller Auditorium.

Western announces new director of choral activities

Western Michigan University's Irving S. Gilmore School of Music is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Amanda Quist as the new director of choral activities. A WMU alumna and Michigan native, Quist joins us from the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, where she has been the director of choral studies for the past five years. 

Four WMU food marketing students win industry scholarships

Making their mark on the food marketing program at Western, four students majoring in food marketing have been awarded scholarships from Grocery Manufacturers' Representatives of Grand Rapids. 

Molding next generation of artists, Morean Ceramics Research Center draws national talent to lead workshops

Students have the opportunity to learn new skills and expand their artistic horizons during summer workshops featuring visiting artists whose work is nationally and internationally renowned.

WMU business students successfully sweep awards in DECA competition

In a field of more than 1,200 participants, Western Michigan University students bested their competitors at the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference. At the competition, business students tested their skills in a variety of contexts in both prepared and extemporaneous case studies and presentations, with four WMU Haworth students placing in the international competition.

Brush Ease wins first place at Bronco Pitch Competition

The 2024 Bronco Pitch Competition brought out the best from student entrepreneurs across Western Michigan University who pitched their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges. The first-place team consisted of four engineering students with an idea for a more sanitary and environmentally-friendly hair brush called Brush Ease.

Business college begins pilot study of AI for student interview preparation

Dr. Kuanchin (KC) Chen, professor of computer information systems at Western Michigan University, is undertaking a pilot study of artificial intelligence (AI) for student interview preparation, which brings together expertise from three centers within the college in order to use best practices to help students level up their interview skills quickly using AI.

Joseph L. Peyser Book Prize established by WMU Department of History, Organization of American Historians

Valued at $2,000 and awarded biennially, this prize celebrates outstanding scholarship in New France history.

New partnership provides teachers and students with STEM learning experiences

The joint program with Western, Comstock and Kalamazoo Public Schools will increase the quality and access to STEM learning for teachers and students.